If I can time it right I might be able to get the family there on DD14's birthday the end of June, but it's more likely we'll go in July.
I saw a Groupon deal a couple days ago for $37 for the one from Newport. Convenient location for us, but it returns at 4:30 and that really shortens the day. So I passed on it. I'll keep looking as plans firm up.
PHXscuba
Hi,
PHX!
The famous yearly Entertainment book used to have some coupons for the Catalina Express in certain years, but I don't know if it still does? It's not a big discount, but better than nothing I guess.
That Groupon deal for the Catalina Flyer out of Newport pops up every once in a while -- in fact, I think that it may have been what KCmike used when he and his family visited Catalina a couple of years ago.
You've, of course, been to Catalina before so you know what's there. As a rule I never recommend the Catalina Flyer to folks
unless they are planning to stay overnight on the Island, for at least a night or two -- or unless they have already been there and know exactly what they want to do and how much time they'd need to do it. It would be okay if the trip involved more than one day, in my opinion.
For the exact reason you mentioned -- the limited schedule and early return time -- it doesn't make sense to use the Flyer for most day trips because it really cuts into the time needed for certain activities. If someone wanted to rent a golf cart and do some tours, for example, those would have to be mapped out over a span of time. If someone wanted to embark on a trek over to the other side of the Island (Two Harbors), or even just into the interior to see some bison, that requires a chunk of time. Having to catch an early boat back to the mainland on the same day would not be conducive to getting that sort of thing done.
Catalina Express out of either San Pedro or Long Beach (especially Long Beach) offers much more flexibility in terms of departures and returns -- especially during the summer months -- so that adds even more value to the free birthday boat ride offer. But the fact that the birthday offer can only be used
on the actual birthday (at least the trip out to Avalon has to be used on the actual day, but the return can be on any day) adds a certain limiting element to the whole adventure as well.
Now a situation could come up in which the Avalon-bound traveler is visiting Catalina for the first time and just wants to get a taste of it without committing to a full, long day of fun. Maybe he/she only wants to do one or two things and then come home. I think that's kind of where KCmike and family were coming from when they ventured there. They just wanted to get a little taste and then come home. In that situation, maybe the Catalina Flyer out of Newport would work as well, and with a Groupon discount it can be a nice, economical way to spend a few hours.
In my case -- and I think you know this about me by now,
PHX -- if I am doing a day trip then I am in it for the long haul! I am on the first boat out of Long Beach in the morning, which is usually at 6:15 a.m.-ish or so. Then, I am on the last boat home at night -- which, for my last 2 day trips, has been at 9:45 p.m. or so, but will be earlier this year because it will be a Monday. I guess I feel I literally have to squeeze
every minute out of that free boat ride offer and I make the most of it!
I was reading an article in the newspaper recently about a new museum that will be opening in Avalon (next year, I think?), on Metropole Avenue/Street. Considered to be part of the whole revitalization of Avalon that has been going on for a few years now, the museum is intended to draw big exhibitions and artists there, as well as crowds from the mainland to see them. There will also be new homes built, a new hotel with 100 rooms, etc.
In large part, Catalina is trying to step up to the plate and offer appealing activities to lure people away from places like Disneyland Resort, San Diego, Lake Arrowhead, etc. Some of the Catalina "purists" are afraid that tiny Avalon will lose its charm and quirky, casual, beach town-ish feel. I can see where that would be a concern, as much of Catalina's allure was/is rooted in just being a simple, no-frills, laid back place to enjoy nature.
The continuation of the offer for the free birthday boat ride on the Catalina Express is great for those of us who use it, but it is definitely drawing more attention to Avalon (which is the goal)...which will then result in more major changes and upgrades being made.